Production of Spirulina platensis using dry chicken manure and its effect in layer diet on laying performance, egg qualities, blood parameters

The present study was consist of two stages. In the first stage of the experiment, Spirulina was grown dried layer poultry manure and the second stage added to the laying hens rations. Thirty eight weeks old layers were divided into 4 groups comprising 18 birds each. The birds were fed standard layer diets containing %0, %0.5, %1 and %2 Spirulina powder for 8 weeks period. Feed and water were given ad libitum. The results showed that Spirulina inclusion did not have significant effect on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency. However Spirulina inclusion affected egg production at 4. week (p <0.05), egg yolk width (p <0.01), yolk index (p<0.05) and egg yolk score L and a (p<.0001). Spirulina inclusion did not have significant effect on egg yolk cholesterol level, but the fatty acid composition is affected by the ratio of stearic acid, linoleic acid, omega-6 and polyunsaturated fatty acids (p<0.05). Spirulina inclusion affected egg yolk antioxidant level at 1. and 6. week (p <0.05). The most positive effect in egg shelf life analyzes was found in the treatment group with 1% of Spirulina added to the ration (p<0.05). Spirulina inclusion did not have significant effect on blood parameters (glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride) (p>0.05).